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'Roos Return to Action at Oklahoma State
3/5/2015 11:30:00 PM | Softball
Date(s): March 6-8
Site: Stillwater, Okla. / Cowgirl Stadium
Live Stats: OKState.com
Twitter: @KCRoos_Softball
STILLWATER, Okla. - If it seems like it's been awhile since UMKC Softball took to the diamond, well, that's because it has.
The 'Roos split their first four games of the UT-Arlington Invitational two weeks ago, only to have a Sunday rematch with the hosts canceled on account of an impending rain storm. Last weekend, Mother Nature wreaked havoc once more, forcing the cancelation/postponement of the Rally for Allie to be hosted by Missouri State.
So, thirteen days after the conclusion of Katie Kelley's personal home run derby, UMKC will return to action in Stillwater, Okla., at the Mizuno Classic, hosted by Oklahoma State University. Tentative start time for Friday's action is set for 12 p.m. (CST).
Katie Kelley Named WAC Hitter of the Week
DENVER, Colo. – Missouri-Kansas City's Katie Kelley has been named the Western Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week for Feb. 16-22. This is Kelley's first WAC Hitter of the Week honor of the season and the second of her career.
Kelley, a junior from Coweta, Okla., had multiple hits in each of the Kangaroos' four games last weekend to post a .786 batting average, a .786 on-base percentage and an astounding 2.000 slugging percentage. For the week, she had five doubles, four home runs and eight RBIs.
Kelley became the first Kangaroo ever to homer in three consecutive games – and, ultimately, four consecutive games – and set a program mark for consecutive games with an RBI (5), as well as doubles over a four-game span (5).
'Roos' Okies Return to the Sooner State
STILLWATER, Okla. -- An influx that began with the lone signing of Coweta, Okla., native Katie Kelley has grown into a full-fledged pipeline over the course of three years, as Meredith Smith-Neal now routinely deploys four Oklahomans in her starting lineup -- with freshmen Emily Bevan, Kelsey Goodwin, and Kelsey Leach joining the veteran Kelley.
Kelley is enjoying the best season of her career after erupting with five doubles, four home runs, and eight RBI in Arlington, Texas, two weeks ago. The junior leads the 'Roos in hitting (.426), doubles (8), homers (5), slugging (.915), and total bases (43).
The immediate impact of the trio of Okies that joined her this season may lead some to believe that there's something in the water. The group has combined for 38 starts. Bevan is hitting .341 with a homer and a team-best 10 walks. Goodwin hit the first home run of her college career in Arlington, while Leach walked off the 'Roos with a game-ending RBI triple in Clermont, Fla.
As it happens, the foursome will take their talents to Stillwater, Okla., this weekend for a homecoming of sorts.
Cowgirl Stadium set to host Mizuno Classic
Opened April 5, 2000, against Bedlam Series rival Oklahoma, the new Cowgirl Stadium is one of the finest softball facilities in the Big 12 Conference. The stadium includes 452 chairback seats in orange and bleacher seating for 300. There is also a patio over the home-team dugout where fans can stand and watch the game.
Smith-Neal continues to add to win total
Now in her ninth season as the head coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, head coach Meredith Smith Neal has transformed the UMKC softball program into a formidable contender in the Western Athletic Conference and beyond, becoming one of sport's up-and-comers in the process.
Under Smith Neal, Kansas City clinched its fourth consecutive postseason appearance in 2014, qualifying for the WAC Tournament with a 7-8 conference record. The 'Roos won 20-or-more games for the fourth time in the past five seasons -- a feat UMKC accomplished just once in the six years prior to Smith Neal's arrival.
In 2008, UMKC finished with an 8-31 overall record, doubling its win total from 2007 despite fielding a team with nine freshmen. The .205 winning percentage was the program's best since 2003, and the modest improvement was the start of a four-year run of increased victory totals.
Smith Neal stands as the program's all-time winningest coach with an overall record of 147-224 (.395).
In 2011, Smith Neal guided the 'Roos to school records of 38 overall wins and 18 Summit League wins en route to being named The Summit League Coach of the Year. Under her guidance, five 'Roos were named All-Summit League performers, including Kaelene Curry and Deanna Friese, who were named The Summit League Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year, respectively. The duo also garnered national recognition under Smith's watch, as both were named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I All-Central Region Second Team.
Smith moved to Kansas City after serving as the Director of Softball Operations at Tennessee during the 2005-'06 season, helping to guide the Vols to the WCWS.
